SANFORD, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve answers viewer questions about the rules of the road, helping Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.
If you’ve driven through the streets of Sanford lately and thought, “Am I really sharing the road with a golf cart?” the answer is yes.
And it’s not just a quirky neighborhood thing. It’s legal, organized and part of Sanford’s charm.
In 2013, the city of Sanford approved a plan to allow golf carts on city streets, but only in designated zones.
The idea was to ease downtown parking issues, offer residents a fun and eco-friendly way to get around and create a classic small-town feel.
And let’s be honest, cruising to dinner or a local shop in a golf cart does sound kind of perfect.
Today, there are two main golf cart zones in Sanford, on both sides of U.S. Highway 17-92. Special crossing points, like 15th Street and Historic Goldsboro Boulevard, safely connect these areas.
But before you hop on one, there are a few rules.
- Registration is required. You’ll need to register your golf cart with the city and pass a safety inspection through the Sanford Police Department.
- Drivers must be licensed. Anyone behind the wheel needs to be at least 16 and have a valid driver’s license.
- Traffic laws still apply. That means stop signs, speed limits and seat belts, where needed — especially for little ones.
- Stick to the zones. Driving outside approved areas can lead to citations or even having your cart impounded.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s helped reduce vehicle congestion, supported small businesses and added a little extra personality to the city’s streets.
So the next time you see a golf cart pulling up at a redlight next to you, don’t be surprised, it’s just Sanford doing things the Sanford way — and I like it.
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